Here’s everything you need to know about using fireworks on Canada Day in Toronto

July 1st is right around the corner, and if you’re looking to celebrate Canada Day in Toronto with fireworks, there are some important rules to remember to ensure you don’t end up responsible for an avoidable accident.

Know Thy Bylaw

Fireworks are not allowed in Toronto’s public parks, balconies, or public beaches. We repeat: FIREWORKS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN PUBLIC PARKS, BALCONIES, OR PUBLIC BEACHES. Ok? It’s illegal.

You are allowed to set off fireworks until 11:00 PM on your personal property, but only on Canada Day and Victoria Day without a permit. Setting off fireworks on any other day requires a permit, and people under the age of 18 are not permitted to discharge fireworks under any circumstances.

Safety First

If you plan on hosting your own backyard fireworks display, make sure your yard is big enough and doesn’t have any buildings or trees nearby. And don’t forget to wear eye protection when setting them off. 

Also, as a legit test, ensure you’ve purchased your fireworks from a retailer displaying a City-issued fireworks vendor permit, which means the products you’re buying have been handled and stored safely. For important safety details, always read and follow the instructions on the manufacturer’s label.

When the fun is all said and done, disposing of fireworks properly is perhaps the most important step.

Completely submerge your used fireworks in water overnight. In the morning, wrap the fireworks in a plastic bag to keep them from drying out and throw them out in your garbage bin. You’re allowed to dispose of up to 10 firework items in your garbage bin at a time. If you have more than that, keep the remaining used and unused fireworks wet until the next garbage cycle. Never, ever, dispose of fireworks in your blue or green bin.

Watch a Free Show from the Fireworks Pros

The best and safest fireworks are the free ones (both hassle-free and cost-free) put on by the professionals. You can enjoy Canada Day fireworks at various parks across Toronto, including Ashbridges Bay Park (East York), Centennial Park (Etobicoke), Milliken Park (Scarborough), and Stan Wadlow Park (East York).

Whatever you end up doing on July 1st, be sure that it’s safe and responsible as well as fun. To learn more about the rules and safety tips regarding fireworks, visit toronto.ca/fireworks.

CITY OF TORONTO